Clinton Co. man running for 5th District seat

February 3, 2014

Thomas Tarantella of Clinton County has announced he is seeking the nomination of the Democratic Party for the 5th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Tarantella is a first-time political candidate with 22 years of experience in the U.S. Army as a member of the Rapid Deployment Force, a paratrooper and a Lite Fighter. He was awarded several campaign ribbons, a Bronze Star, five Meritorious Service Medals, four Army Commendation Medals, and 13 Army Achievement Medals.

"It's time that we had a representative that will stand with the people," he said. "I stand for equal opportunity for all citizens. There should be freedom from government interference in our private lives and personal decisions. The people of the United States should feel security in their homes and safety in their streets."

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Thomas Tarantella

In the past few weeks Tarantella has visited Elk, Cameron and Venango counties and plans to visit Warren County. The response so far has been "very positive, no negative responses from any of the counties I've visited in the district, including some of the smaller townships."

He is running for congress to address a number issues including veterans affairs, "people say support the troops, then pass or don't pass a bill that reduces them (benefits) or doesn't give them what they need"; the minimum wage, "it's the only way your going to lift people out of poverty"; and Social Security, "it's not an entitlement, it's a separate tax paid for by the American worker and employee for their retirement."

Tarantella was born and raised in Renovo, Clinton County and has been married 32 years to his wife Ann with whom they have three children and five grandchildren.

Since his honorable discharge in 2002, Tarentella has been working as a welders helper with the Norfolk Southern Railroad.